Domestic violence is something we all need to take seriously. From an abuser’s uncontrollable rage and manipulative tactics to the victim’s isolation and crumbling self-esteem, we’ve all heard of cases involving abuse. We are troubled by it, disgusted by how prevalent violence has become. What’s more, to watch a relationship we thought was a good one spiral out of control is never easy, nor should it be. Nothing could be truer for Linda Riss and Burt Pugach. 

Linda Riss was a beautiful young woman who had a lot going for her. Though she had a low opinion of herself, she still managed to date some handsome men, including the likes of an upcoming lawyer, Burt Pugach. When the two started dating, everything seemed like out of a fairytale. Riss was lovestruck, ready for their happily ever after. However, when Pugach began pushing for sex, going as far as trying to drug Riss, she left. Eventually, she met another man named Larry Schwartz, who would propose to her some time later.

When Pugach heard the news, he was furious. He hired three men to throw lye in Riss’s face, almost permanently blinding her in the processes. Eventually, he was caught and sentenced to 14 years in prison. During this time, he would keep writing to Riss, professing his love for her, but to Linda Riss, it was torment. 

As time passed, Riss hadn’t been able to make any progress in her love life. Her fiancé had left her for someone else, and while she tried dating other men, because of her disfigurement, her relationships never lasted long. She remembered Pugach telling her something before, that if he couldn’t have her, he’d make sure no one would ever love her. 

When Pugach was released, Riss, at the insistence of her friends, decided to rekindle her relationship with him. After some time, the two got married. There were rumors that Pugach was involved with another woman when they were married, that he’d used similar tactics with Riss to get to this woman. However, during his trial, Riss defended him, and Pugach walked away free.

Since then, both Linda Riss and Burt Pugach have garnered national attention. They wrote a book together, titled A Very Different Love Story. A documentary called Crazy Love detailed their relationship. News outlets covered their story during this time, such as The New York Times, USA Today, and the Los Angeles Times. The couple was even a subject in the podcast, Crimes of Passion. 

The relationship between Linda Riss and Burt Pugach has many intricacies. It’s highly unlikely anyone would consider this relationship, alongside any abusive relationship, as normal. Some believe that Riss and Pugach truly loved each other, while others may see Riss as a victim, who had no way of escaping her abuser. Even so, the couple has captured the attention of the nation and has sparked countless debates of what it truly means to love someone.